towing MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class 2014 X166 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 353
12 V socket see Sockets
360° camera
Cleaning .........................................3 80
Function/notes ............................. 235
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....72
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 256A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 291
Function/notes ................................ 67
Important safety notes ....................67
Warning lamp ................................. 327
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification .................155
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 281
Display message ............................ 314
Function/informatio n.................... 247
Trailer towing ................................. 250
Active Curve System
Display message ............................ 311
Function/notes ............................. 218
Active Driving Assistance package .247
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 282
Display message ............................ 313
Function/informatio n.................... 251
Trailer towing ................................. 253
Active light function .........................133
Active Parking Assist Display message ............................ 314
Exiting a parking space ..................229
Function/notes ............................. 226
Important safety notes ..................226
Parking .......................................... 228
Towing a trailer .............................. 230
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 75 Adaptive Brake Assist
Display message ............................ 298
Function/notes ................................ 71
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 306
Function/notes ............................. 134
Switching on/off ........................... 134
Additives (engine oil) ........................450
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) Function/notes ............................. 217
Air bags
Display message ............................ 301
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 46
Important safety notes ....................44
Knee bag .......................................... 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Side impact air bag ..........................47
Window curtain air bag ....................48
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) ..............309
AIR FLOW ........................................... 157
AIRMATIC package ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ...217
Function/notes ............................. 217
Level control .................................. 218
Air vents
Glove box ...................................... .163
Important safety notes ..................162
Rear ............................................... 163
Setting ........................................... 162
Setting the center air vents ...........162
Setting the side air vents ...............163
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........77
Switching off (ATA) ..........................77
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 77
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 283
Setting the color (on-board
computer) ...................................... 2834
Index

AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
................................................ 221
AMG menu (on-board computer) .....287
Anti-lock braking system see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle ..............200
Ashtray ............................................... 351
Assistance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 280
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 280
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ........375
Hiding a service message ..............375
Notes ............................................. 374
Resetting the service interval
displa y........................................... 375
Service message ............................ 374
Special service requirements ......... 375
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................77
Function .......................................... .77
Switching off the alarm ....................77
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................281
Display message ............................ 309
Function/notes ............................. 239
Audio menu (on-board computer) ....278
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 306
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode ..............128
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............178
Changing gea r............................... 176
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................173
Display message ............................ 320
Drive program displa y.................... 173
Driving tips .................................... 176Emergency running mode
..............182
Engaging drive position .................. 175
Engaging neutral ............................ 174
Engaging park position
automatically ................................. 174
Engaging reverse gear ...................174
Engaging the park position ............173
Kickdown ....................................... 176
Manual drive program ....................178
Manual drive program (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 179
Manual drive program (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package) ..179
Overview ........................................ 173
Problem (malfunction) ...................182
Program selector button ................177
Pulling away ................................... 170
Starting the engine ........................169
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......177
Trailer towing ................................. 176
Transmission position displa y........ 173
Transmission positions ..................175
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 182
Axle load, permissible (trailer
towing) ............................................... 457 B
Bag hook ............................................ 346
Ball coupling Installing ........................................ 265
Removing ....................................... 269
Storing ........................................... 269
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................68
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 68
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 83
Important safety notes ....................83
Replacing ......................................... 83
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 394
Display message ............................ 307
Important safety notes ..................391
Jump starting ................................. 395
Overview ........................................ 391 Index
5

Belt
see Seat belts
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 59
Function ........................................... 59
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................281
Display message ............................ 314
Notes/function .............................. 243
Trailer towing ................................. 245
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 186
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 448
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 297
Notes ............................................. 450
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 140
Display message ............................ 304
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 67
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................71
BAS .................................................. 68
BAS PLUS ........................................ 68
Brake fluid (notes) .........................450
Display message ............................ 291
High-performance brake system ....195
Important safety notes ..................193
Maintenance .................................. 194
Parking brake ................................ 189
Riding tips ...................................... 193
Warning lamp ................................. 326
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 380
Carpets .......................................... 383
Car wash ........................................ 376
Display ........................................... 381
Exhaust pipe .................................. 381
Exterior lights ................................ 379
Gear or selector lever ....................382
Interior ........................................... 381
Matte finish ................................... 378
Night View Assist Plus ...................381
Notes ............................................. 376
Paint .............................................. 378
Plastic trim .................................... 382
Power washer ................................ 377
Rear view camera .......................... 380
Roof lining ...................................... 383
Seat belt ........................................ 383
Seat cover ..................................... 383
Sensors ......................................... 380
Steering wheel ............................... 382
Trim pieces .................................... 382
Washing by hand ........................... 377
Wheels ........................................... 379
Windows ........................................ 379
Wiper blades .................................. 379
Wooden trim .................................. 382
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/how to use .........................346
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes ..................344
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 347
Stowage well (under) .....................347
Cargo tie down rings .........................345
Car key see SmartKey
Car wash (care) ................................. 376
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 278
Center console Lower section .................................. 37
Upper section .................................. 366
Index

Symmetrical low beam
..................128
Tire ruts ......................................... 199
Towing a trailer .............................. 264
Traveling uphill ............................... 200
Wet road surface ........................... 194
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 312
Function/notes ............................. 256
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....278
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....279 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................285
Function/notes ............................. 121
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 122
Function/notes ............................. 121
Switching on/off ........................... 285
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 293
Function/notes ................................ 74
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 192
On-board computer .......................276
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 88
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 439
Important safety notes ..................439
Removing ....................................... 440
Storage location ............................ 440
Technical data ............................... 441
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .59
Safety guideline s............................. 43
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 93
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....24 Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 333
Display message ............................ 306
Engine number ...................... 444, 445
Irregular running ............................ 172
Jump-starting ................................. 395
Starting problems ..........................172
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 169
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............170
Switching off .................................. 189
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 400
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................172
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 372
Additives ........................................ 450
Checking the oil level ..................... 371
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 371
Display message ............................ 308
Filling capacity ............................... 449
Notes about oil grades ................... 449
Notes on oil level/consumption ....371
Temperature (on-board computer) .287
Viscosity ........................................ 450
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) 4ETS ................................................ 72
AMG menu (on-board computer) ...287
Characteristics ................................. 73
Deactivating/activating ...................73
Display message ............................ 291
Function/notes ................................ 72
General notes .................................. 72
Important safety information ...........72
Trailer stabilization ........................... 74
Warning lamp ................................. 329
Exhaust check ................................... 192
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 381
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 122
Dipping (automatic) .......................12310
Index

On-board computer
AMG menu .................................... .287
Assistance menu ........................... 280
Audio menu ................................... 278
Convenience submenu ..................285
Displaying a service message ........375
Display messages ..........................290
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 210
Factory settings submenu .............286
Important safety notes ..................272
Instrument cluster submenu ..........282
Lighting submenu .......................... 283
Menu overview .............................. 275
Message memory .......................... 290
Navigation menu ............................ 277
On and Offroad menu ....................286
Operation ....................................... 273
RACETIMER ................................... 287
Service menu ................................. 282
Settings menu ............................... 282
Standard displa y............................ 275
Telephone menu ............................ 279
Trip menu ...................................... 275
Vehicle submenu ........................... 284
Video DVD operation .....................279
On-road programs
AUTO program ............................... 254
Function/notes ............................. 253
Snow program ............................... 255
SPORT program ............................. 254
Trailer program .............................. 255
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 139
Operating safety Declaration of conformity ................27
Important safety notes ....................26
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment ...........................24
Outside temperature display ...........273
Overhead control panel ......................39
Override feature Rear side windows ...........................66 P
Paint code number ............................444
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ...378
Panic alarm .......................................... 42
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel
Opening/closing ............................ 100
Opening/closing the roller
sunblind ......................................... 101
Problem (malfunction) ...................103
Resetting ....................................... 101
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................98
Parking ............................................... 188
Important safety notes ..................188
Parking brake ................................ 189
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 124
Rear view camera .......................... 230
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist .....................226
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking assistance
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 294
Electric parking brake ....................189
Warning lamp ................................. 332
Parking lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 130
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating .................224
Driving system ............................... 222
Function/notes ............................. 222
Important safety notes ..................222
Problem (malfunction) ...................226
Range of the sensors .....................223
Trailer towing ................................. 225
Warning displa y............................. 224
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
Problem (malfunction) .....................53
Problems (malfunction) .................. 301
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp ...................................................... 49
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) .382 Index
15

Warning lamp ................................. 337
Warning message .......................... 414
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................426
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................425
Bar (definition) ............................... 424
Changing a wheel .......................... 427
Characteristics .............................. 424
Checking ........................................ 405
Definition of terms .........................424
Direction of rotatio n...................... 428
Display message ............................ 318
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................427
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. .424
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............425
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 425
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 425
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 425
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................425
Important safety notes ..................404
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......425
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........425
Labeling (overview )........................ 421
Load bearing index (definition) ......426
Load index ..................................... 423
Load index (definition) ...................426
M+S tires ....................................... 406
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 425
Maximum load on a tire (definition) 426
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 426
Maximum tire loa d......................... 423
Maximum tire load (definition) .......426
MOExtended tires ..........................406
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 426
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 426Replacing
....................................... 427
Service life ..................................... 406
Sidewall (definition) .......................426
Speed rating (definition) ................425
Storing ........................................... 428
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 424
Temperature .................................. 420
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 426
Tire bead (definition) ......................426
Tire pressure (definition) ................426
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 425
Tire size (data) ............................... 432
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 421
Tire tread ....................................... 405
Tire tread (definition) .....................426
Total load limit (definition) .............427
Traction ......................................... 420
Traction (definition) .......................427
Tread wea r..................................... 420
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................427
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 419
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................425
Unladen weight (definition) ............426
Wear indicator (definition) .............427
Wheel and tire combination ...........435
Wheel rim (definition) ....................425
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........397
Installing the towing eye ................398
Removing the towing eye ...............399
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist .....................230
Axle load, permissible ....................457
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 381
Coupling up a trailer ......................266
Decoupling a trailer .......................268
Driving tips .................................... 264
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .7420
Index

Important safety notes
..................263
Installing the ball coupling .............265
Mounting dimensions ....................456
Power supply ................................. 270
Pulling away with a trailer ..............170
Removing the ball coupling ............269
Storing the ball coupling ................269
Trailer drive program .....................255
Trailer loads ................................... 457
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......399
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............400
Important safety notes ..................397
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 269
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist .................250
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............253
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 245
PARKTRONIC ................................. 225
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................269
Transfer case ..................................... 182
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........173
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................173
Transporting the vehicle ..................399
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 200
Driving downhill ............................. 201
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 200
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .382
Trip computer (on-board computer) 275
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 275
Resetting (on-board computer) ......276
Trunk
see Tailgate Turn signals
Display message ............................ 303
Switching on/off ........................... 131
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 427
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........350
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 320
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individual settings ..........................282
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 415
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 432
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 191
Pulling away ................................... 170
Raising ........................................... 429
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............428
Towing away .................................. 397
Transporting .................................. 399
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........88
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................80
Vehicle data ................................... 453
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 453
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angl e............ 455
Fording depth ................................ 454
Maximum gradient climbing ability 455
Vehicle dimensions ...........................453 Index
21

Useful information
............................166
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle 166
Driving ............................................... 166
Automatic transmission ...................173
Refueling ............................................ 182
Parking ............................................... 188
Driving tips ........................................ 191
Driving systems ................................ 201
Towing a trailer ................................. 263 165Driving and parking

j
Park position with parking lock
k Reverse gear
i Neutral
h Drive
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of arrow P.
i The automatic transmission shifts into
park position Pautomatically:
R if you open the driver's door while the
vehicle is stationary in transmission
position Dor R
R if you open the door while traveling at
very low speeds in transmission position
D or R
Engaging park position P automatically Park position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey and remove the SmartKey.
R you switch off the engine using the Start/
Stop button and open one of the front
doors.
R the HOLD (Y page 216) or DISTRONIC
PLUS (Y page 203) function brake your
vehicle until it is stationary and at least one
of the following conditions is fulfilled:
- there is a system malfunction.
- the vehicle is on a steep uphill or downhill
gradient. The electric parking brake is
then also applied. Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
to N.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the
vehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash with
a towing system, observe the following notes: 174
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

A
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position Nif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or the Start/Stop
button, the automatic transmission
shifts to neutral Nautomatically.
! Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train. 7
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gears
Dand Rmay help to free the vehicle if
it has become stuck in slush or snow. The
vehicle's engine management system limits
the speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h)
when shifting back and forth. To shift back
and forth between transmission positions D
and R, move the DIRECT SELECT selector
lever up and down past the point of
resistance.
Towing a trailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Depending on the uphill or downhill
gradient, use left-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (Y page 177) to select a
lower gear, even if cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS are activated. 176
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking